If you thought you’d seen it all after watching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draw those fouls, wait, there’s more. Jalen Brunson is taking the foul-baiting drama to a whole new level.
The New York Knicks kicked off the Eastern Conference finals with a win against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. And let’s say, it was a game filled with plenty of drama, both on and off the court.
During a particular moment in the game, Brunson and Aaron Nesmith really took “selling a foul” to an entertaining new level.
However, a new angle recently emerged that shows Brunson’s whole new level of foul-baiting.
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It was a hilarious visual to see two players just bouncing off each other like bumper cars for about six seconds. Brunson started things off by using Nesmith’s arm to hit himself in the face.
And if that wasn’t enough, he tossed his head back for good measure. However, Nesmith also played his best tricks. He mirrored the act, pretending to be punched in the face. It was like watching a pair of actors in a slapstick comedy routine.
Refs Remained Unimpressed By Jalen Brunson And Aaron Nesmith’s Tricks
While the sequence was too good to be missed, Jalen Brunson and Aaron Nesmith had to return empty-handed.
As they continued their physical tango, they exchanged playful jabs while hopefully glancing toward the referees, looking for any sign that a call would come.
But when the whistle stayed silent, the show went on. Brunson nudged Nesmith again, prompting Nesmith to take a dive, finally. And just when you thought the scene couldn’t get any more theatrical, Brunson deliberately tripped over him.
Aaron Nesmith & Jalen Brunson just went flop for flop, with Brunson being called for a foul.
The play was challenged & referees still determined it was an offensive foul on Brunson.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/zw0lDzspdJ
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 22, 2025
In the end, a foul was called on Nesmith, leaving everyone to marvel at how much theatrics had unfolded for just one call.
Fans on social media are calling out the league for turning a deaf ear to these intentional foul-baiting incidents.
It was a wild reminder of how the best basketball players bring together incredible talent and athleticism while also knowing how to put on a show. Their ability to juggle skill and drama makes the game all the more captivating, even if it sometimes resembles a circus act!